Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Split Level

Here is an instance where I really should create a more elegant solution, but this old plywood box has served me so well for so many years! The photo below shows a "low bench" that is attached to the side of my regular bench. For a chairmaker, it is a huge help.

I don't bother to do any scraping on the seat surface until after I've legged it up. All of the work to finish off the seat is comfortably done at this height. I can even reach it with my light to get a good raking light across the surface as I work. It sure beats my old method of wrestling the chair across the floor. The clamping block is just a piece of old wooden clothes rod wrapped in pipe insulation. Hey, it works, and besides, this silly piece of foam gets used more than all of my handmade planes!

On a techie note, my web site entry page was acting up for a while (who knows how long!). I have fixed it and the site can now be entered by clicking on the photo. Thanks

Greg,I route the rockers after assembling the stretchers but before putting in the seat. As far as the routing goes, I will have to get back to you. The rocker routing was shown to me by another chairmaker and I have tried not to post other folks techniques on the blog. Even though I have my own twist to the technique, I am hesitant to publish someone elses process without permission. I will run it by him soon.Thanks for your patience.Pete

Suggested Reading

Copyright 2007 Peter Galbert All Rights Reserved

Reproduction of this material by written permission only

Warning

Woodworking is inherently dangerous. The techniques described in Chair Notes are attempted at the risk and liability of the reader. Often in images, safety guards are omitted for clarity. It is the responsibility of the reader to use all safety devices including eye protection.